Lyrics by ALAN MENKEN JACK FELDMAN HARVEY FIERSTEIN
Based on the Disney Film written by Bob Tzudiker and Noni White Originally produced on Broadway by Disney Theatrical Productions Orchestrations by Danny Troob | Incidental Music & Vocal Arrangements by Michael Kosarin Dance Arrangements by Mark Hummel
Newsies is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com
ANY UNAUTHORIZED VIDEO AND/OR AUDIO RECORDING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED.
Produce r SCERA
President & CEO
Adam J. Robertson
Director / Choreographer
Brodee Ripple
Music Director
Christian Wawro
Production Stage Manager
Kaylee Kress
Tap Choreographer
Rebecca Boberg
Dance Captain
Cole Wattleworth
Tap Dance Captain
Averie Bartholomew
Scenic Designer
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Manager
Zippy Hellewell
Scene Shop Supervisor
Ethan Harrison
Carpenters
Ethan Harrison
Colin Ohran
Max Warren
Trevor Kroff
Scenic Painters
Faith Sage
Olivia Kleven
Madi Fontana
Emily Wiley
Costume Designer
Deborah Bowman
Stitchers
Kelsey Seaver
Deborah Bowman
Costume Shop Staff
Crysta Lamb
Bird Dozhier
Costume Shop Volunteer
Ryan Hadlock
Properties Designer
Karen Peck
Prop Shop Manager
Karen Peck
Props Assistants
Paige Wright
Trulan Peck
Tristan Peck
Mable Evans
Lighting Designer
Elizabeth Griffiths
Sound Designer
Audio Engineer
Master Electrician
Chase Elison
Electricians
Crysta Lamb
Story Anderson
Trulan Peck
Sound Assistant
Katie Jeffreys
Deck Crew
Ethan Harrison
Followspots
Alathia Burnside
Benjamin Wilson
This project is supported by the Utah Division of Arts & Museums, with funding from the State of Utah and the National Endowment for the Arts, which believes that a great nation deserves great art.
CAST OF CHARACTERS
Jack Kelly ................................................................................................... WILLIAM MADSEN
Specs .................................................................................................................... FINN PARKS
Tommy Boy ....................................................................................................... LEVI NUTTALL
Jo Jo ................................................................................................. AVERIE BARTHOLOMEW
Sniper .................................................................................................................. ELI BEZZANT
Mike ......................................................................................................... ARTHUR CUMMINS
Ike ................................................................................................................. SYDNEY WEIGHT
Scabs .................................................................. ARTHUR CUMMINS, COLE WATTLEWORTH GEMMA VALENTINE
Newsies ............................................ ARTHUR CUMMINS, BENJAMIN DUNFORD, CLAIRE MOREIRA COLE WATTLEWORTH, COLETTE STRINGHAM, CORINNE BROWN DEAN SALVESEN, ELLIE MCCORMICK, EMELINE SETTLEMYRE EMMA STEWART, GEMMA VALENTINE, KATELYN LEE, KENYA BROWN LONDON STRINGHAM, NIXON GAILEY, SYDNEY WEIGHT
Bowery Beauties ............................ CLAIRE MOREIRA, COLETTE STRINGHAM, CORINNE BROWN EMMA STEWART, GEMMA VALENTINE, KATELYN LEE LONDON STRINGHAM
Santa Fe .........................................................................................................Jack, Crutchie
Scene 1: Newsies Lodging House and Newsie Square
Carrying the Banner ........................................................................ Jack, Newsies, Nuns
Scene 2: Pulitzer's Office, Afternoon
The Bottom Line ......................................................... Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen, Hannah
Carrying the Banner (Reprise) ............................................................................. Newsies
Scene 3: Street Corner
Scene 4: Medda’s Theater
That’s Rich................................................................................................................... Medda I Never Planned on You / Don’t Come a-Knocking ..............Jack, Bowery Beauties
Scene 5: Newsie Square, Next morning
The World Will Know .......................................... Jack, Davey, Les, Crutchie, Newsies
Scene 6: Jacobi’s Deli & Street, Afternoon
The World Will Know (Reprise) ............................................ Jack, Davey, Les, Newsies
Scene 7: Katherine’s Office
Watch What Happens ....................................................................................... Katherine
Scene 8: Newsie Square, Next morning
Seize the Day........................................................................... Davey, Jack, Les, Newsies
Seize the Day (Tag) ................................................................................................ Newsies
Scene 9: Rooftop
Santa Fe ........................................................................................................................... Jack
ACT II
Scene 1: Jacobi’s Deli, Next Morning
King of New York ......................................................... Davey, Katherine, Les, Newsies
Scene 2: The Refuge
Letter from The Refuge ............................................................................... Crutchie
Scene 3: Medda’s Theater
Watch What Happens (Reprise) ................................ Davey, Jack, Katherine, Les
Scene 4: Pulitzer’s Office & Cellar, Afternoon
The Bottom Line (Reprise) ................................................... Pulitzer, Seitz, Bunsen
Scene 5: Brooklyn Bridge and Medda’s Theater
Brooklyn’s Here ................................................................................... Spot, Newsies
Scene 6: Rooftop, Night
Something to Believe In................................................................... Katherine, Jack
Scene 7: Pulitzer’s Cellar
Seize the Day (Reprise) ................................................................................ Newsies
Once and For All ................................................. Jack, Davey, Katherine, Newsies
Scene 8: Pulitzer’s Office, Next Morning
Seize the Day (Reprise 2) ............................................................................. Newsies
Scene 9: Newsie Square
Finale Ultimo (Part 1) ................................................................................ Company
Finale Ultimo (Part 2) ................................................................................ Company
Photos by Rachael Gibson
DIRECTOR'S NOTE
by Brodee Ripple
When presented with the opportunity to direct Newsies, I was thrilled at the prospect. Add in an incredible team to work with and one of the most gorgeous venues around and I couldn't say no. Once diving into the show I began to wonder, "How?" How do we add to something so iconic? How do we maintain expectations while also trying to raise the bar? How do we make something that people walk away from enjoying this production while trying to stay true to the original? I began to read the script and the overwhelming theme of community, support, and love became apparent.
So, we had to start with a community. We were lucky to have so many incredibly talented people show up to auditions. With that luck came the challenge of putting together a cast that would create the entire world. People that encapsulated the heart of Newsies. After many discussions, we settled on the cast you see tonight. During the rehearsal process it was apparent, we had assembled a great community.
Next came the theme of support. There are so many people who work on a show that an audience will never see. Hours of work, communication, and collaboration that go into every small detail. We were very lucky to have Zippy, Liz, Debbie, Chase, Karen, Adam, our stage manager Kaylee, and the countless people who work on their teams be part of the crew that brought this show to life. I would be remiss to not say a huge thank you to some of my closest friends Kathryn, Lisa, and Gwen who listened to my crazy ideas and celebrated all the small victories with me. Theatre truly is a team sport and everyone rallied together to support in every way that they could. Two boxes checked.
Then came the core of the show: love. I have watched this cast grow from strangers, to cast members, to friends. I have been amazed at their talent, work ethic, resilience, and joy. This cast and crew are more than I could have ever dreamed. They have taken my crazy ideas, ran with them, and given more than I ever could have hoped. Newsies has quite a bit to say and every single person in this cast is invaluable at bringing their perspective, interpretation, and performance to every second.
Thank you for coming to the show tonight. My hope is everyone walks away from this show happier than when they came in. Newsies has quite a bit to say if you take the time to actually listen. Beyond the incredible music, costumes, and tumbling there are people standing up for each other, themselves, and a better future. "Now is the time to seize the day."
Photos by
Rachael Gibson
CAST & STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
(in
alphabetical order by first name)
AVERIE BARTHOLOMEW
(Jo Jo) Averie is so excited to be playing JoJo in Newsies! Other recent roles have included Madame Thernardier in SCERA’s Les Mis School Edition, Sarah in Acting Up’s Seven Brides for Seven Brothers medley, and Cheshire Cat in Alice in Wonderland Jr. Averie is also a choreographer and has choreographed over 10 shows, including Beetlejuice, The Addams Family, Tarzan and Big Fish. She’s so grateful for this opportunity and would like to thank her parents, cast, and directors for all their support and encouragement!
BEAU WILSON
(Wiesel) From selling papes in Newsies to giving quests as trolls, goblins, knights, and dragons at a fantasy theme park, Beau loves bringing stories to life in any way he can. He has also loved working with SCERA in other shows like Spamalot and The Scarlet Pimpernel. Some of his favorite roles include Huckleberry Finn in Tom Sawyer, Dogberry in a pirate-themed Much Ado About Nothing, and Bridge the Troll at Evermore Park. He'd like to thank his wonderful wife, Lexi, for always being so supportive of his crazy creative aspirations.
BEN REYNOLDS
(Elmer) This is Ben’s third show with SCERA and his second time performing at the Shell - a place that holds a special place in his heart, as it was the first place that he saw a live theater performance back in 2009 with Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat! He’s pumped to be back with Newsies and hopes you have as much fun watching as he’s had performing. Some of his past favorite roles include Tobias in Sweeney Todd (Grand Theatre), Mendel
in Fiddler on the Roof (SCERA Shell), Oliver Rivers in Puffs (Lehi Arts), and A Christmas Carol (2022) at HCTO.
BRAYDEN PHILLIPS
(Crutchie) Brayden is delighted to make his debut at the SCERA Shell Outdoor Theatre this summer. He is entering his sophomore year at Utah Valley University, where he is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre. Favorite past roles include Uncle Fester in The Addams Family, Friedrich von Trapp/Rolf Gruber (u/s) in The Sound of Music, Prince Eric in The Little Mermaid Jr., and Prince Hans in Frozen Jr.
BRODEE RIPPLE
(Director / Choreographer) Brodee is so excited to be working on this incredible show in this beautiful venue. Brodee was pretty much raised at SCERA and is so excited to be making his Shell directorial debut. Brodee is the Rentals and Special Events Coordinator for SCERA, as well as the assistant director / choreographer for SCERA's national award winning high school company Acting Up! Most recently, he directed SCERA’s TYA Production of The Cat in the Hat. He has performed in productions at SCERA, both Hale Centre Theatres, Lehi Arts Center, Pleasant Grove Players, Sundance, and The Historic Jackson Hole Playhouse. Some favorite performing credits include Benjamin in Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Judah in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Steven Kodaly in She Loves Me. Brodee adores this cast and the wonderful production team he gets call his friends. Huge thanks to Christian, Kaylee, his mentor and biggest inspiration, Kathryn Little, his SCERA/Shop family, and his real family; especially his Mom.“I hope you enjoy this show as much as we have enjoyed working on it! This one's for you Pops.”
CHASE DAYNES
(Romeo) Chase is thrilled to join SCERA in this production! Favorite stage credits include: Bingham High School - Tuck Everlasting (Jesse) and Joseph...Dreamcoat (Judah); HCT - A Christmas Carol 2023, Sound of Music Youth Edition (Rolf), Wizard of Oz Youth Edition, Frozen Kids (Hans); Draper Historic TheatreNewsies (Race); Murray Amphitheater - High School Musical; Kensington Theatre - Tarzan; Chase has also been a member of the HCT Dance Company and Broadway Stars Choir, as well as a member of the Bingham High School Ballroom Team and Rise Up Children's Choir's a cappella group Amplify.
CHRISTIAN WAWRO
(Music Director) Christian is excited to return to SCERA, where he was in his first show, Peter Pan, in 2005. Christian has been music directing for SCERA Youth Theatre since 2010 and recently music directed SCERA's production of Fiddler on the Roof. Performing credits include Jimmy Ray Dobbs in Bright Star (SCERA), Jervis in Daddy Long Legs (Lehi Arts Center), Mendel in Fiddler on the Roof (Hale Centre Theatre Sandy), Joey in Sister Act (Hale Center Theater Orem), and Vice-President of the BYU Young Ambassadors. When he's not performing, Christian teaches Sociology, Geography, Philosophy, World Religions, and Student Council at Lone Peak High School. He would like to thank the incredible staff at SCERA that he has worked around and with for the last 20 years.
CHUCK ARCHER
(Seitz / Roosevelt) Chuck is thrilled to return to the SCERA Shell... he was last seen here in Les Misérables (Bamatabois, Montparnasse, Ensemble). He shared the stage last summer with his twin daughters in the Sugar Factory Playhouse’s production of The Drowsy Chaperone (Feldzig). He has performed over the last 15 years mainly with Lehi Arts in Bright Star (Daddy Murphy), Little Women (Mr. Lawrence), Little
Shop of Horrors (Mr. Mushnik), Arsenic & Old Lace (Teddy), 7 Brides for 7 Brothers (Adam Pontipee), Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Rueben), The King & I (Kralahome) to name a few. Thanks to his oldest daughter wanting to be in a play, Chuck started this performing journey where he has had wonderful moments on stage with all five daughters.
DEAN SALVESEN
(Morris Delancey) This is Dean’s fifth mainstage show at SCERA, and second show at the Shell. He is so excited to get back on the stage and perform for his friends, family and the community in a show that has so much story and heart. He thinks Newsies is so important especially in the current day and urges audiences to really take home the messages within the show. Dean is most excited to be working with the amazing cast, direction team and crew who have made his experience so fun and fulfilling.
EMILY NEBEKER
(Hannah) “No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main.” Emily’s continent has expanded with this show, as it has with other previous theatrical experiences, one of which brought her to the man of her dreams, her very own Jason Statham lookalike. Together they have three magnificent children who raise hell but constantly remind them that “Jesus loves us!” Thanks to that same Jesus for all the good in her life and for making all the not-so-good a little more bearable.
FINN PARKS
(Specs) Finn is so excited to be a part of this production of Newsies! This is his first time performing at the Shell despite having performed many times indoors at SCERA Center for the Arts, where he most recently was seen as Javert in Les Miserables School Edition. His
CAST & STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
(in alphabetical order by first name)
other credits include Shrek in Shrek the Musical, Cogsworth in Beauty and the Beast, and he is excited to very soon be playing Baker in Into the Woods
GAGE GILLETTE
(Davey) Gage has been performing since the age of eleven, and continues to love theatre and music. He is so excited to be a part of this wonderful production of Newsies! Some of Gage’s favorite past roles include Enjolras in the SCERA’s high school company Acting Up’s production of Les Misérables School Edition, Rapunzel’s Prince in Into The Woods, and Edward Bloom in Big Fish. Gage is extremely grateful for the support and encouragement from his amazing directors and family and cannot thank them enough. Gage is also thankful for the opportunity to perform with such a talented, hard-working, and welcoming cast.
GRACIE GRIFFIN
(Mush) Gracie is thrilled to be part of Newsies and loves this cast! She was most recently seen as Fantine in SCERA’s Les Misérables School Edition and Mother in Timpview’s The Woodsman. Favorite past roles include Gertrude (Seussical), The Player (Rosencrantz & Guildenstern Are Dead), and Aunt March (Little Women). She’s excited to begin UVU’s BFA Musical Theatre program this fall and is grateful for summer nights on stage, her family, the tech crew, and the directors.
KADEN RENZ
(Bunsen / Mr. Jacobi)
Kaden is thrilled to be making his debut with SCERA. He has previously appeared in productions such as The SpongeBob Musical with
Spanish Fork Community Theater and Assassins with Sanctuary Theater Company. He would like to thank his family and friends for their unwavering support and encouragement. “Be excellent to each other!”
KALE MIKKELSON
(Race) Kale is ecstatic about having this opportunity to perform in one of his dream shows! Some of his other favorite roles have been Ren in Footloose, Nicely Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls, and Ratty in Wind in the Willows. When he’s not dancing or singing his heart out on stage, you can find him playing sports, hanging out with friends, or playing games with his family. He wants to thank all his friends and family for their support. He is super excited that you’re here to “Seize the Day!”
KAYLEE KRESS
(Production Stage Manager)
Kaylee last stage managed at SCERA for Into the Woods in 2023 and is excited to be back for her first Shell show! In addition to stage managing for musical productions, Kaylee previously stage managed at BYU for the Fine Arts and Music departments. In addition, she stage managed for and toured with the BYU International Folk Dance Ensemble and Ballroom team. While during the day she works in advertising, Kaylee is always grateful for the opportunity to be back doing one of her passions.
LARKYN LEWIS
(Buttons) Larkyn is a senior at BYU, where she studies advertising. She grew up dancing and singing, and ever since her first taste of theater at age 12, she’s been
OPENING JUNE 13th
A partnership with the James & Andrea Clarke Family will allow us to make continued improvements to SCERA Center for the Arts – the first was a complete repainting of the outside of our unique historic venue! The Clarke Grand Theatre is clean, comfortable and elegant – and with a giant 40' x 20' screen, 733 seats and incredible digital projection and sound – our presentation of your favorite feature films is the best around! And, with the best ticket and concession prices in town, we hope you'll support your local independent theatre, where proceeds go back into the community to support SCERA's charitable non-profit artistic mission!
hooked. Some favorite past roles include Lorraine and Sylvia in All Shook Up, Muzzy Van Hossmere in Thoroughly Modern Millie, and Jane in Mary Poppins. This production marks not only her return to the stage since the pandemic, but also her debut with SCERA. Larkyn is beyond excited to be back under the lights, doing what she loves most—performing her heart out!
LEVI NUTTALL
(Tommy Boy) Levi is a recent high school graduate and is excited to perform in Newsies this summer!
Newsies has been his favorite show for years, and he can't wait to share this amazing story with you. His recent credits include Grantaire in Les Mis School Edition (SCERA), Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde (Fields & Co), and Sipos in She Loves Me (Timpanogos High School). He would also like to thank Brodee, Christian, and Kaylee for making this one of the best shows he's ever done. Now is the time to "Seize the Day!"
MARK TRIPLETT (Finch)
Mark is so excited to be in his first show at the Shell! He just graduated from Provo High School and is thrilled to be a part of this incredible cast in Newsies. Some other favorite roles include Lord Farquaad in Shrek, Edgar Allan Poe in Nevermore, and, most recently, Marius in Les Miserables School Edition. Mark is a big fan of SCERA and just recently graduated from their award-winning high school company, Acting Up! He intends to enroll at UVU in the fall. Mark hopes that you enjoy the show because he learned how to do a cartwheel for this.
MATTHIEU C. KOHL
(Snyder) Matthieu is thrilled to debut on the SCERA stage. Matthieu’s favorite roles include Victor Velasco in Barefoot in the Park (Timpanogos Players), Inspector Pidgeon in Dear Delinquent (Hale Theater Orem), George Hay in Moon Over
Buffalo (Covey Center), and Ted Sunderson in Perfect Arrangement (An Other Theater). By day, Matthieu works at Adobe in Lehi, where he has been working for more than 20 years. He is immensely grateful for his incredible boys and his amazing wife, Lauralyn, whose support allows him to pursue his passion for theater.
MAX
DANIELSON (Henry) Max is a 17 year old tenor who has done theatre since the 4th grade. Select credits include Archibald Craven in The Secret Garden, Count Ipolitov in Anastasia, Lieutenant Riser in The Hello Girls, Professor Callahan in Legally Blonde, and ensemble roles in Bullets Over Broadway and The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Thrilled to be making his SCERA debut! Off stage he enjoys building projects, watching the SF Giants, and hanging with his favorite people!
MIA SCHOEBINGER (Katherine) Mia is so excited to be performing in her first production at SCERA in one of her dream roles! She is currently in the BFA Musical Theatre program at Utah Valley University, where you can see her this fall as Mary Warren in The Crucible. Her favorite past credits include Anna (Frozen), Rusty (Footloose), Little Becky Two-Shoes (Urinetown) and Wendy (Peter/Wendy). She has loved every second performing with this cast and can't wait for you to watch this wonderful production!
MIKE HANDY (Joseph Pulitzer) This Orem native is a Class of 1989 graduate of Mountain View High School. He is thrilled to be reprising his role of Joseph Pulitzer from the 2019 production of Newsies at the Shell. Other favorite roles include Sam Carmichael in Mamma Mia!, King Triton in The Little Mermaid, Mr. Boddy in Clue: The Musical, Mal Beineke in The Addams Family, and Saint Aphrodisius in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
CAST & STAFF BIOGRAPHIES
(in alphabetical order by first name)
Mike has been a featured soloist with the Draper Philharmonic and Choral Society performing as Harold Hill, the Genie, Lumière, Don Quixote de la Mancha, and The Polar Express Train Conductor. Mike sang Baritone in the BYU Men’s Chorus under the direction of Mack Wilberg from 1992-96.
MONT CONNELL
(Nunzio / Policeman / Guard) Mont is excited to be back at the Shell after taking a break for a few years. Mont has been part of the Utah theatre community for the better part of 18 years doing all sorts of roles and shows, but most recently you may have seen him in A Christmas Story: The Musical, Newsies, Beauty and the Beast, Brigadoon, and many more. Mont enjoys riding his motorcycle all summer, working out, hunting and fishing as well as water sports and football. Mont is grateful for the support from his awesome wife and kids and thanks you all for coming. He's very excited to be a part of this incredible cast and crew!
NOAH HINCKLEY
(Spot Conlon) Newsies has been such an enjoyable adventure for Noah, and he is so glad for everyone in the cast and crew. Performing has been such an important part of Noah's life so far, and each experience doing so has taught him so much. He was so lucky to be a part of SCERA’s high school company, Acting Up for two years of high school where he played Donkey in Shrek the Musical, and Combeferre in Les Miserables School Edition. With hopes to continue performing in theatre his whole life, Noah is ready to see where life takes him.
PORTER MCCORMICK
(Les) Porter is so excited to be performing in one of his favorite musicals of all time, alongside his sister Ellie. Some of Porter’s favorite roles include Little Boy in Ragtime (The Ruth), Flounder in Little Mermaid (SCERA Shell), Winthrop in The Music Man (Hale Orem) and Randy A Christmas Story: The Musical (SCERA). Special thanks to mom and dad for enabling him to pursue his love of acting!
RYKER MILLER
(Oscar Delancey) Ryker has been doing theater for almost his whole life. By the time you are reading this, Ryker will have just graduated from high school. He was recently in Les Misérables School Edition at SCERA as Foreman, a male swing and Javert's understudy. He was also recently King Triton in The Little Mermaid. Ryker was a part of SCERA’s award-winning high school company, Acting Up, where they won first place at MTCA performing Seven Brides For Seven Brothers, with Ryker in the role of Adam Pontipee. He has been doing shows at SCERA for 6+ years and has loved every show and class. He would like to thank his parents for their support and the directors for giving him this opportunity.
TANIKA LARSEN
(Medda Larkin / Nun) Tanika is thrilled to once again be gracing the Shell stage after an almost 14 year hiatus. Her last production here was playing the role of Amneris in Aida, which expanded to BYU Education Week way back in 2011. More recently, Tanika has played Trix in The Drowsy Chaperone, Sister Mary Hubert in Nuncrackers, Helen Armstrong in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, all with the Pleasant
Grove Players. Big old thanks to Brodee, Christian, and Kaylee for everything they have done to put this wonderful production together, and to her husband and kids for all their love and support. “Love you! Muah!"
TANNER LYBBERT
(Albert) Tanner is thrilled to make his debut on the SCERA stage! Some of his favorite past roles include Flounder in The Little Mermaid and Peter Pan in Peter and Wendy. He has also appeared in productions of All Shook Up and Fiddler on the Roof, and has performed with One Voice Children’s Choir. Tanner is grateful for the unwavering support of his family, friends, and mentors, and is excited to be part of such a talented cast and creative team.
WILLIAM MADSEN
(Jack Kelly) Will is thrilled to be playing the role of Jack, as it’s been a dream of his for a long time. Theater has meant the world to Will and he’s incredibly grateful to everyone who’s been a part of this experience —especially his parents, directors, and cast. Will hopes that the love he feels for Newsies can be seen and shared with the audience to spread as much joy as possible. And finally, he’s thankful for every audience member who’s taken the time to come see the show. “Wrongs will be righted, if we’re united - let us seize the day.”
